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When you think of exotic paradise island locations, what’s the first place that comes to your head?
Everyone will have a different answer to that question, but I reckon not too many of you will have had Fiji as your first choice.
But perhaps it’s time that you paid this South Pacific gem a little more attention.
An archipelago of more than 300 islands, this tropical paradise is having a record-breaking year for tourism this year for a reason.
Here’s why it’s time you said ‘bula’ to Fiji:
It Really Is Paradise
The climate is one of the main reasons why people head to Fiji – the country’s many islands offer pleasantly warm daytime temperatures between 78F and 87F throughout the year.
It’s a country of two seasons. Winter is from May to October and is generally considered the dry season where the evenings can get a little cooler once the sun goes down.
Summer is from November to April and will often see the highest daytime temperatures (though prevailing winds help keep it from feeling too hot), and also daily afternoon downpours that can appear in an instant.
In the summer, there’s also a chance of tropical cyclones, so be sure to check the latest weather information and safety tips on the Tourism Fiji website.
Wide Variety Of Places To See
As a country made up of so many different islands, it stands to reason that there’s a lot to do in Fiji.
The city of Nadi will likely be your entry point and is a great place to get your bearings and sample a taste of Fijian culture in its restaurants and vibrant markets.
Head south from here for a couple of hours, and you’ll arrive at the Coral Coast – a myriad of beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and pretty villages full of friendly locals just waiting to welcome you.
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury escapes, then the Mamanuca Islands are probably for you.
These accessible islands are surrounded by colorful reefs, peaceful lagoons, amazing diving locations, and some of the best-hidden beaches in Fiji.
And if lounging around on a pristine beach in a literal paradise isn’t your thing, then Fiji has plenty of hiking and walking options in places such as Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, Mount Korobaba, and Garden of the Sleeping Giant.
It’s also worth noting that Fiji is widely regarded as one of the world’s premiere diving and snorkeling destinations.
The islands are home to the Great Sea Reef and the Great Astrolabe Reef, as well as other famous underwater sights such as Nigali Passage and the Great White Wall.
Fast Becoming A Trending Destination
Tourism visitor numbers are trending up in Fiji, with overall figures for the year tracking ahead of those from 2019.
And travelers from North America are one of the largest groups who are currently visiting Fiji – roughly 15% of the total number.
So, while it might not be Mexico or the Caribbean, Fiji is certainly capturing the imagination of American travelers – so much so, that CNN named it as one of the top 7 designations in the world to visit this year.
The country was a latecomer to removing all of its Covid-19 restrictions (February 2023), so this may be why it has now returned to popularity.
It May Be Remote, But It’s Not Inaccessible
Fiji is pretty remote, but that is part of the country’s charm.
The archipelago is nestled in the South Pacific Ocean, about 1,300 miles north of New Zealand and about 1,900 miles east of Australia.
However, it’s actually not that difficult to get there with daily flights from Los Angeles and daily flights five days a week from San Francisco – both into the city of Nadi.
Just recently, Fiji’s national airline, Fiji Airways, just partnered up with JetBlue meaning travelers can fly from more places in the United States to Fiji with through-check on one ticket.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com